History buffs rejoice: War of 1812 bicentennial gold coins are out

The bicentennial of one of the most significant events of military history, the War of 1812, will be immortalized on a Canadian gold coin.

The 1/4-ounce, 24-karat gold coins will be guaranteed for weight and purity by the Canadian Mint.

The multi-front war between the United States and the British Empire began as a protest against perceived violations of the U.S.’s national sovereignty by the British and was the first time that America declared war on another nation. The War of 1812 was fought on three fronts: the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Lakes/ Canadian frontier, and the southern States. It lasted two years and claimed nearly 4,000 dead and almost 8,000 wounded. Casualties were higher on the American side.

While popular view has it that Canada, then still under British control, "won" the war because it successfully repelled an American invasion, Wikipedia gives a more bland version of events as summed up by historians:

Historians agree that ending the war with neither side gaining or losing territory allowed for the peaceful settlement of boundary disputes and for the opening of a permanent era of good will and friendly relations between the U.S. and Canada. The war established distinct national identities for Canada and the United States, with a "newly significant border."

The coins, available in sheets of 20, will feature Queen Elizabeth II on the front and on the back, an eagle representing American forces facing a lion, symbolic of forces under British command.

Andrew Topf is an editor at MINING.com. With a background in newspaper and trade magazine reporting, Andrew specializes in writing about mining and commodities. He has written for the Black Press newspaper chain in British Columbia, Business in Vancouver, and Baum Publications.